ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday increased the dealers’ margin on petrol and high‑speed diesel by Rs1.34 per liter, even as petroleum product prices were raised once again under the revised pricing mechanism.
According to media reports, the margin on petrol has been increased from Rs8.64 to Rs9.98 per liter, while the margin on high‑speed diesel has also been raised to Rs9.98 per liter.
The Ministry of Energy confirmed that the adjustment was made by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) under the government’s new pricing formula.
At the same time, the price of high‑speed diesel was increased by Rs3.59 per liter, taking it from Rs364.70 to Rs368.29 per liter. Petrol prices rose by Rs3.81 per liter, with the new rate set at Rs341.59 compared to the previous Rs337.78 per liter.
It is pertinen to mention here that the move comes against the backdrop of weeks of unrest in the petroleum sector.
Goods transporters had staged a nine‑day nationwide strike earlier this month against the daily pricing mechanism, paralyzing supply chains before postponing their protest for 40 days after government assurances.
Petroleum dealers and oil marketing companies have also pressed for higher margins, citing financial strain and regulatory burdens.
Despite these concessions, ordinary Pakistanis remain deprived of sustained relief at the pump. Since the Feb 28 US‑Iran war day, fuel prices have remained far above pre‑war levels, driving inflationary pressures across households and businesses. Critics argue that while margins and levies continue to rise, the government’s revised mechanism has yet to deliver tangible relief to consumers.
